When planing, wood shavings are taken off. The plane iron is the
cutting tool part. The plane iron cutting edges have a similar shape and mode of
action like mortise chisel cutting edges:

- plane irons have a bevelled cutting edge at one
side,- the wedge angle at the plane iron is 25° to
30°.

The cutting effect of the plane iron cutting edge is influenced
by the cutting angle. The most favourable cutting angle is between 45° and
48°. The cutting angle of a plane cannot be changed.

Figure 2 Wedge angle and cutting
angle

1 wedge angle at the plane iron, 2 cutting angle at the
plane

When planing, the cutting edge of the plane iron is pressed into
the wood and splits off the shaving when the plane is advanced (pushed). The
pre-splitting effect of the plane iron has to be reduced to produce a smooth
surface.

- lie closely on the plane iron,- only be
arranged max. 1 mm behind the cutting edge,- tightly be bolted to the plane
iron.

The plane stock is mainly made of hardwood, sometimes metal is
also used.

Different planes are used for different requirements and working
tasks, but all planes have generally the same construction. Table 1 represents
the most common planes with their characteristic features and their application.